Etna Bianco "Ante" D.O.C.

I Custodi's Etna Bianco Ante is a wine made from the Carricante grape. The vineyards are in Contrada Puntalazzo, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, within the municipality of Mascali.

The vines are traditionally trained as alberello (bush form) with 8,500 plants per hectare. The vineyards are up to 40 years old and are at an altitude of 900 meters with an easterly exposure. The soil is sandy and volcanic, very rich in minerals and has a slightly acidic reaction. The climate is typical of the high altitude areas, with significant temperature differences between day and night.

The grapes ripen and are harvested by hand in mid-September. They are then selected and brought to the winery in shallow crates, where the whole bunches are gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in steel vats at a temperature of 20°C (68°F). After about 12 months of aging in steel vats, a refinement of at least 15 months in bottle follows.

The wine has a greenish straw yellow color and a fruity aroma with hints of anise. The taste is dry, harmonious and well-structured, with proper acidity, great freshness and a pleasant briny aftertaste.

Serving temperature of 10-12°C.